By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-14 15:45:26 | Updated at 2026-06-15 05:36:56
14 hours ago
It promises to be a special afternoon ahead in Houston, Texas.
Four-time winners Germany always bring plenty of focus and excitement for a World Cup and they will have high hopes after crashing out at the group stage in successive tournaments.
That came after their triumph in Brazil in 2014 and they impressed at Euro 2024 under Julian Nagelsmann until they were beaten after extra-time by eventual champions Spain in the quarter-final.
But it's a hugely emotional and big day for their opponents, Curacao.
This is the country's first ever appearance at a World Cup after they qualified in impressive fashion earlier this year.
They are the smallest nation by both population and area to ever qualify for the tournament, which is an incredible achievement in itself.
